Flow Cytometric Detection and Quantitation of Cell-Cell Electrofusion Products

Cell-cell electrofusion (CCE) is a process that involves forcing cells into close juxtaposition and then inducing fusion by delivering electric pulses to the cells. CCE has proven to have many practical applications. It has been used for monoclonal antibody (Mab) production (4 ,5 ), hybridoma production (1 –3 ), and membrane surface marker transfer (6 ). Many other applications are described in this volume. In addition, the study of membrane fusion mechanisms has been the focus of some researchers (7 –12 ). Electrofusion techniques seldom result in 100% yields between fusion partners. Therefore, a major aspect of all CCE applications is the ability to detect and quantitate fusion products.